Patents by Inventor Laura A. Montalvo

Laura A. Montalvo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6769296
    Abstract: A method for measuring a downhole formation pressure is disclosed which includes lowering a formation testing tool to a desired measuring position in a well borehole. Then a nozzle in the tool is extended so that the nozzle extends through the mud cake layer on a surface of a formation, forming a seal between the mud cake layer and a sealing surface of the nozzle. In an embodiment of the invention, the nozzle has a porous tip that extends into the invaded zone beyond the mudcake layer and is exposed to the formation pressure. In an alternate embodiment, the nozzle has a retractable tip that retracts into the nozzle. The nozzle and retractable tip are positioned in the mudcake and the retractable tip is retracted into the nozzle. The formation pressure is then communicated through the nozzle to a pressure sensor operatively connected to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laura A. Montalvo, Andrew L. Kurkjian, Robert Wayne Sundquist
  • Publication number: 20020189339
    Abstract: A method for measuring a downhole formation pressure is disclosed which includes lowering a formation testing tool to a desired measuring position in a well borehole. Then a nozzle in the tool is extended so that the nozzle extends through the mud cake layer on a surface of a formation, forming a seal between the mud cake layer and a sealing surface of the nozzle. In an embodiment of the invention, the nozzle has a porous tip that extends into the invaded zone beyond the mudcake layer and is exposed to the formation pressure. In an alternate embodiment, the nozzle has a retractable tip that retracts into the nozzle. The nozzle and retractable tip are positioned in the mudcake and the retractable tip is retracted into the nozzle. The formation pressure is then communicated through the nozzle to a pressure sensor operatively connected to the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Laura A. Montalvo, Andrew L. Kurkjian, Robert Wayne Sundquist